The IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) course is aimed at UK PPL pilots and is valid in the UK only. It provides a fundamental understanding of instrument flying and navigation, and can greatly increase the accuracy and safety of any flight.

The privileges of PPL(A) with an IMC rating are:

1. to fly out of sight of the surface
2. in a control zone on a special VFR clearance with flight visibility less than 10km but not less than 3km
3. when in IMC outside controlled airspace
4. during take off or landing with a flight visibility below cloud of not less than 1800m.

An applicant for a grant of an IMC rating must have 25 hours experience as an aeroplane pilot since the date of application of his/her PPL(A). The 25 hours must include 10 hours as pilot-in-command  (PIC), of which at least 5 hours must be on cross-country flights, and may include the 15 hours’ dual instrument instruction.

When the requirements have been met, the applicant must have passed a flight test and 1 written ground exam before an IMC rating can be issued.